Xintong Li: Quiet Kindness Strengthening a Small-Town Community

 

In a small Missouri town where neighbors still wave from porches and look out for one another, Xintong Li has become a steady source of kindness, reliability, and quiet leadership. Though naturally introverted, he has embraced a style of neighboring built on simple gestures, practical help, and a genuine desire to make life a little easier for the people around him.

For these efforts, Xintong has been named one of Missouri’s Top 20 Most Engaged Neighbors of 2025, part of the statewide celebration of kindness and connection known as Missouri Good Neighbor Week.

Simple Beginnings, Lasting Impact

For Xintong, neighboring began naturally. “I live near several elderly neighbors, and they are all very kind people,” he said. “In a small town it just feels normal to want to look out for one another and help where you can.” 

Over the past four years, those small acts of care have grown into strong relationships. “Being more engaged has helped turn this place from ‘where I live’ into a community that feels like a big extended family,” he said. 

Everyday Actions, Extraordinary Care

Xintong’s neighbors describe him as someone who notices needs before others see them. He regularly checks in on elderly neighbors, signs them up for helpful programs they might not know about, and offers a listening ear. When a neighbor’s truck keys were stolen, he voluntarily reviewed his home-security footage to help.

He also quietly serves the larger community. At the local park, he unclogs the self-draining dog water bowl or refills the backup bowl when it’s empty. He even stepped into two community theater roles when no one else could—despite being shy—so the show could go on. 

A Neighbor Who Leads by Example

Though humility defines his approach, Xintong’s influence is unmistakable. “Small things matter most,” he said. “A greeting, kindness, being willing to help with a simple task—those gestures open the door for trust and connection.” 

His nominator summed it up simply: “Even though he is introverted, his moral character pushes him to make things better wherever he goes.” 

Through quiet, consistent action, Xintong Li reminds us that being a great neighbor isn’t about size or spotlight—it’s about heart, attentiveness, and doing what’s right.


Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or burtond@missouri.edu. You can also visit his website at https://engagedneighbor.com.

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